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Wayne Memorial dedicates new Wall of Honor

By Sarah Shurge from the Wayne Memorial Concert
On Friday, May 31st, Wayne Me- Choirs of 1962 and 1972. The Spec-
morial High School had a dedication tator Yearbook from 1940 and 1942.
to their new Wall of Honor. Gwen Student ID cards and handbooks
Fretenborough, Wayne Memorial from 1950 (the first class to walk the
High School teacher, spoke at the halls). A special original edition of
dedication. the Wayne Hi-Lite from 1954. These
Fretenborough explained that donated artifacts from former stu-
during the summer of 2023, she at- dents highlight the Zebra Pride and
tended the Friends of the World War lifestyle from Wayne High’s 150 plus
II Memorial. It was a week-long sem- year history.
inar where they learned more about Students, faculty, administration, and city leaders at the Wall of Honor dedication. The last dedication goes to the
World War II and how to teach it. Photo by Jenny Johnson presentation of poppies. The red
When they left, they were to come share of protests and movements, hospitals for treatment. poppy is a symbol of remembrance
back to their school and do a service along with pep rallies every Friday. The next dedication goes to hon- and hope for a peaceful future. Pop-
learning project with the students. The second dedication goes to the oring the 50. The new Wayne High pies are worn to show support for
The Wall of Honor is that project. Flying Zebra Class of 1945. The School began construction in 1950. the Armed Forces community. The
The student dedications begin with Class of 1945 raised over $30,000 in It cost $2 million and originally had poppy is a well-known and well-es-
the history of Wayne Memorial. a subscription drive. $5,000 was 41 classrooms. The “Memorial” in tablished symbol, one that carries a
The first Wayne High School given to various charities, including Wayne Memorial was added in 1953 wealth of history and meaning with
opened in April 1925 on Michigan the Red Cross and the Polio fund. to commemorate the 50 servicemen it.
Ave and Williams Street. As World However, the students spent the re- who lost their lives in World War II. Fretenborough wanted to thank
War II rolled through the 40s, many maining $25,000 on buying a new (You can find the names of these men those that helped make the dedica-
students held dances, played sports, airplane. “The Flying Zebra” was and more information about them tion happen: Wayne Westland Com-
and joined clubs to keep their spirits flown into Willow Run Airport by a on the screens in the Wall of Honor munity Schools Print Shop and
up and have fun as their friends and woman pilot. The entire senior class display). Communications Department for
families fought in the war. went to see the plane. Then the plane The next dedication goes to show- their support, the Class of 1972 for
In the 1950s, the new high school was donated to the war effort to be case items. The Wayne Historical So- their donations, Wayne Historical So-
was built, and during the 60s and used as an air ambulance, flying ciety donated items (on loan) from ciety, and Adrienne Nathan for her
70s, Wayne Memorial saw its fair wounded from the front to military the museum such as: a vinyl record dedication. dedicates

The Wayne Dispatch · June 2024 · 5